Letter to the editor: This simple change will end the dispute

Time remains in the legislative session to amend Chapter 22 of the Code of Iowa - the law on access to public records - to straighten out the dispute over information hidden from public view. We can get rid of all the fuss about hush money paid to fired public employees, deputies firing Tasers at people, care givers beating up those in their custody.

In 59 words, Iowa lawmakers could have the law accurately reflect how the governor, attorney general and other "public servants" handle access to information about what government is doing.

Instead of the thousands of words in the current law, all we need is: "Information possessed by a public agency that causes a government entity, employee or action to be viewed in a favorable light shall be released immediately and publicized shamelessly. Information possessed by a public agency that may subject a government entity, employee or action to be questioned or criticized shall be confidential and not subject to subpoena or court-ordered disclosure."

Simple as that.

- Herb Strentz, Urbandale

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Letter to the editor: This simple change will end the dispute

Time remains in the legislative session to amend Chapter 22 of the Code of Iowa ? the law on access to public records ? to straighten out the dispute over information hidden from public view.